a bleeding purple utah jazz blog

Thanks for Everything, Big Al

When rumors first surfaced that the Jazz were trying to acquire Al Jefferson, I was dead set against it.

By the end of his introductory press conference, Al had won me over.

I’ve always felt like many of the issues fans or even I may have had with Al on the court were due to improper usage. Defensive issues aside–and not to ignore Al’s unique skillset in the low post and all of his clutch moments–if Al had been used as a cog in the Jazz’s offense (which was what he was expecting when he arrived in Utah) rather than used as the entire offense, the Jazz may have seen more success and there would perhaps have been less frustration among fans.

Off the court, what was not to love?

Al took a lost Enes Kanter under his wing and worked with him (all the while knowing Enes would probably replace him one day).

He said on multiple occasions that he would be ok with his minutes going down if it gave the Jazz a better chance to win. He once took himself out of a game so that Favors could stay in the game and the Jazz would have a better chance to win.

Al probably knew he was gone at locker room cleanout, but he was gracious and classy and had a great attitude about his time with the Jazz. (I encourage you to read or re-read his comments from that day.)

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Another great blog. Nice to see Big Al getting some props. Tired of hearing other Jazz fans saying how they liked him as a person but they are happy he is gone. I’m going to miss him and I am happy he was a Jazzman. Wish the relationship had lasted longer.